Mexico has
been the fourth largest source of immigrants since 1820, and by far the
largest source of immigrants in recent years. In fact, Mexican immigration
has occurred in varying amounts for hundreds of years. In addition, many
Mexicans "moved" to the United States as a result of the annexations of
Texas and the West.

Early in the
twentieth century, large numbers of Mexicans came to the U.S. to work in
agriculture in California or as miners and track layers throughout the West.
This pattern of Mexicans coming north of the border in search of better
paying jobs has continued until the present day, with the largest numbers
of Mexican-Americans residing in California, New Mexico, and Texas.

Contacts and
Sources

Chicano Research
Collection

Department
of Archives and Manuscripts

Hayden Library,
Arizona State University

Box 871006

Tempe, AZ 85287-1006

Telephone:
(602) 965-3145

Los Fundadores
and Friends of Santa Clara County, California

1509 Warburton
Avenue

Santa Clara,
CA 95050

Telephone:
(408) 926-1165, or (408) 248-ARTS for a recorded schedule of events